The 2025 Chronicle

ZULULAND Written by Richard Chennells (Founders, 1996)

The service concluded with a wreath-laying by Rick Peacock-Ed wards and a closing prayer by Sean Lumley (Baines, 1994), composed by the Michaelhouse chaplain. It was a heartfelt mo ment of remembrance, honouring both legacy and future. The year culminated that evening in our flagship AGM Dinner back at the RAF Club. With close to 80 attendees, we toast ed the successes of the year, honoured departing committee members, and welcomed Brandon Tattam and Will Norton to the team. Traditional awards were handed out, with Clive Mac ewan ( Kehla ), Batebang Mapetla ( Undlela – East, 2013) and James Cleland ( Omusha – Ralfe, 2023) recognised for the respective honours. This marked the final AGM attended by the Rector in his official role, and his farewell message was met with deep appreciation and a standing ovation. Following dinner, Simon Cheshire (East, 2014) orchestrated a brilliant raffle effort, raising nearly £1 600 in support of the branch. With wine flowing and stories exchanged across generations, the evening spilled into the Churchill Bar for one last toast to a remarkable year. COMMITTEE TRANSITIONS AND THANKS We extend our heartfelt thanks to Simon Cheshire, Brendan Bergs and Kyle Ross (East, 2006), who have stepped down from their roles after years of loyal and dedicated service to the UK&E committee. Their contributions have helped steer the branch from strength to strength. We are also thrilled to welcome two stalwart contributors, Bran don Tattam and Will Norton, to the committee. Their energy and dedication have already been well demonstrated through sports and events co-ordination this year, and we look forward to their continued involvement. THE 2025 COMMITTEE NOW COMPRISES: • Chairman – Scott Wadeson (Farfield, 2012) • Secretary – Dave Hudson-Bennett (Farfield, 1997) • Treasurer – Ross Nalson (Mackenzie, 2016) • Elder Statesman – Rick Peacock-Edwards (Pascoe, 1961) • Past Chairman – Sean Lumley (Baines, 1994) REFLECTIONS With more than 300 attendees across ten events, this has been a year marked by continuity and celebration. Our growing European footprint, strong event attendance and enthusiastic participation in sporting fixtures show that the spirit of Michael house is as vibrant abroad as it is in Balgowan. Special thanks go to the branch committee for their tireless work behind the scenes. It is their dedication that enables our events to thrive and our traditions to endure. We look ahead to 2026 with great optimism and plans already under way for our next set of gatherings. We hope to see many more of you join us as we continue to build and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. Quis ut Deus • Member – Rory McKenna (West, 2002) • Member – Brandon Tattam (Farfield, 2014) • Member – Will Norton (Farfield, 2018)

“FROM BROCKLEE TO BALLITO – ZULULAND BOYS EVERYWHERE.”

Zululand continues to keep the Michael house flame burning – small in number, big in heart, and never short of good stories. This year’s Lagoon Lounge AGM was held on 17 May in Mtun zini under crisp blue skies. A modest but mighty group of Old Boys enjoyed barge rides, bush walks, beers and broth erhood – proof that it doesn’t take a crowd to create some thing memorable. Looking ahead, we’re thrilled that the legendary Maritzburg College Zululand chairman David McIlrath has already put his hand up to host next year’s Quadrangular Trophy. It promises to be a classic Zululand-style gathering – good sport, good laughs, and bad decisions made for the right reasons. Below are a few snapshots of Zululand Old Boys across genera tions – farmers, doctors, entrepreneurs, paddlers, builders and mischief-makers alike. Hilton Giles (West, 2021): Hilton represents the youngest wave of Zululand Old Boys. He’s currently in his final year at the Uni versity of Cape Town, where he manages to balance student leadership with entrepreneurial energy. By day he serves as head of the university’s Trading Club, and by night he DJs and builds small business ventures with friends. Outside of work and study, Hilton’s happiest exploring the Cape’s natural play ground – whether trail running on the mountain, cycling or join ing friends for a sunset game of touch rugby on the beach. His energy captures the next generation of Zululanders perfectly: switched on, outdoorsy, and not afraid of a good party. Chris Brits (Tatham, 2012): Chris, originally from Eshowe, was head of school in his matric year and has always carried that red-and-white pride with him. After medical school and an in ternship back home in Zululand, he now lives in Dublin, Ireland, working as an anaesthetist. This year he and his wife welcomed their son Andrew – already registered for Michaelhouse 2038 and set to be the fourth generation on his maternal side. Al though he has swapped bushveld for cobblestones, Chris still follows the Springboks religiously and looks forward to cheering them on in Dublin this November. Like many Zululand Old Boys abroad, the pull of home remains strong. Geoff Woollatt (Tatham, 2009): A proud Zululander through and through, Geoff studied in Cape Town before heading back home to the sugar belt. He spent two years making rum – a noble and highly respected pursuit – before moving into sugar cane logistics. Today he runs trucking operations at ZAH in Am atikulu, keeping the cane flowing and the wheels turning. Geoff lives in Ballito with his wife and their nine-month-old daughter. As the family grows, who knows – there could be a fifth-gener ation Michaelhouse boy on the cards. Geoff is a familiar face at Old Boys’ events in Zululand and Durban, known for his easy laugh, sharp one-liners, and deep family roots in the region. Angus Kramer (Tatham, 2007): Angus has been living in Salt Rock for the past nine years with his wife Cherise, raising their

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